Even though people are getting in their last set of vacations for the summer, here at Bountiful Acres, we can’t stop talking Fall Plants to Transform Your Garden in Bucks County
Even though people are soaking up their last summer vacations, here at Bountiful Acres in Bucks County, PA, we can’t stop talking about fall! Each season has its own special character, but autumn is something truly remarkable. The crisp, cooler weather makes outdoor living more enjoyable, while the burst of fall foliage, cozy gatherings, and hearty meals bring a sense of warmth and comfort.
At Bountiful Acres, we believe your garden and landscape should capture the beauty of each season. Fall is one of the most rewarding times of year to refresh your outdoor spaces with new colors, textures, and plants that thrive as temperatures drop. Whether you’re preparing your home for seasonal entertaining, creating curb appeal, or simply celebrating the beauty of autumn, there are plenty of plants that can help you highlight the best of fall.
Here’s our guide to the top fall plants for Bucks County gardens—from annuals and perennials to trees and shrubs that truly shine this season.
Fall Annuals
Annuals are a quick way to bring in bursts of seasonal color, and fall offers some of the most beloved plant choices.
Mums
Nothing says fall quite like chrysanthemums. A staple of autumn décor, fall mums are available in a wide variety of colors—from deep burgundy and golden yellow to crisp white and rich purple. Their long-lasting blooms make them perfect for front porches, garden borders, or container displays. Plant them with pumpkins and gourds for the ultimate fall arrangement.
Ornamental Peppers
Ornamental peppers add unexpected flair to your garden with their bright red, orange, yellow, and even purple hues. These compact plants bring a cheerful pop of color and are great for pots or mixed displays. While some varieties are edible, many are grown purely for their decorative qualities, so always check before tasting.
Ornamental Cabbage & Kale
Looking for texture as well as color? Ornamental cabbage and kale provide striking shades of purple, green, and creamy white. Their ruffled leaves add depth to garden beds and containers, and they thrive even as temperatures dip. Bonus: kale varieties can also be harvested for hearty soups and stews, making them both beautiful and functional.
Fall Perennials
Perennials are an investment in your garden’s long-term beauty. These plants return year after year, and many offer their best show in the fall.
Anemone
Also known as “windflowers,” Japanese anemones bloom in late summer and into fall, offering shades of pink, purple, and white. Their delicate flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, keeping your garden buzzing with life well into the cooler months.
Sedums
Sedums, or “stonecrops,” are low-maintenance succulents that thrive in Bucks County gardens. Their fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers transition from pale green to brilliant pink and red in the fall, creating a carpet of color. These hardy perennials also tolerate drought, making them an easy-care option.
Perennial Asters
Asters are the perfect bridge between summer and fall. Their daisy-like blooms provide bursts of purple, lavender, blue, and white, complementing the autumn palette of reds and oranges. Not only do asters add late-season beauty, but they also serve as a vital food source for pollinators as they prepare for winter.
Fall Trees & Shrubs
When you think of fall, trees bursting with color and shrubs laden with berries likely come to mind. Adding these larger plants to your landscape ensures seasonal interest year after year.
Red Maple
Few trees rival the showstopping red maple in autumn. Its brilliant crimson foliage lights up Bucks County yards and streetscapes, making it a favorite for homeowners looking to add vibrant fall color. Beyond autumn, its red-tinged spring buds and strong summer canopy provide multi-season appeal.
Sweet Spire
If you’re looking for fragrance and texture, the Virginia sweetspire is a must-have. This versatile shrub produces fragrant white flower spikes in summer and transitions into deep shades of red, purple, and orange in the fall. It’s perfect for adding whimsical, cascading foliage to garden beds or borders.
Beauty Berry
A true conversation piece, the beauty berry shrub offers clusters of bright purple berries that appear in late summer and persist through the fall. These berries not only provide striking color but also attract birds and wildlife. As an added bonus, beauty berries can be harvested to make jellies or pies—an unexpected way to bring your garden harvest indoors.
Why Plant in Fall?
Planting in the fall comes with several advantages, especially here in Bucks County:
- Cooler Temperatures: Plants experience less stress when establishing roots in cooler weather.
- Moisture: Autumn often brings more consistent rainfall, which helps new plants thrive.
- Stronger Roots: By planting now, roots have time to establish before the ground freezes, leading to healthier growth in the spring.
Fall planting also means you get to enjoy immediate bursts of seasonal color while preparing your garden for success next year.
Tips for Designing a Fall Garden
- Layer your plantings: Mix annuals, perennials, and shrubs for depth and variety.
- Add containers: Use decorative pots with mums, kale, and peppers for an instant pop of color at entryways.
- Incorporate décor: Pair your plants with pumpkins, straw bales, and lanterns for a festive look.
- Think long-term: Choose perennials and shrubs that will return year after year to provide ongoing seasonal beauty.
Celebrate Fall with Bountiful Acres
If you’re anything like us, you’re ready for crisp evenings, colorful landscapes, and all the joy fall has to offer. At Bountiful Acres in Doylestown, we carry a wide selection of fall plants—from mums and ornamental cabbage to maples, sweetspire, and more. Our garden experts are here to help you choose the right plants for your space and provide tips for creating a garden that celebrates the beauty of every season.
Visit us this fall and let’s bring the splendor of the season to your garden!
